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Marlin Sportster, Cabrio, Berlinetta and Roadster builds Enthused or Confused about your vintage Marlin build? Ask away here or show off your build. |
1st March 2010, 17:13
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Well done, that's the easy one out of the way.
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1st March 2010, 20:08
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Well done, Jason, that's off to a good start!
I bet you enjoyed that little blast? How's the steering self centering?
Don't forget to pump up your tyres to make self centre easily.
...peter
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1st March 2010, 21:49
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Seemed to centre Ok...
I think an extensive set-up session is required after the test though, as It just felt a bit skittish on the front. Maybe it's just me though, as I'm used to driving something that weighs a hell of a lot heavier!
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3rd March 2010, 18:12
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Well, that's it. I've crossed off all the jobs on my list, Gathered up all the tools and spares that will be in the support vehicle, and I'm not going out to do anything else to her prior to the test.
I want a nice early night tomorrow. Have to be there at 08:00. :/
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4th March 2010, 07:25
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Ok - last question before I really do say enough is enough - how much bolt did you leave protruding on the seat mounts?
I used fairly long bolts to allow easier alignment when I dropped the seats in, and with a big load spreading washer and nylock on them there still about an inch of thread showing. Should I leave them be, or should I dremel them off a couple of turns above the top of the nylock?
And really the last question - the mesh I have in my centre console - radius issue or not? I know Robin had his doubts. I don't think just covering up the vents would be a good idea, as don't I have to prove that it works if it's fitted? An unvented heater could be deemed to be 'not working'...
Tick Tock Tick Tock...
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4th March 2010, 07:55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreatOldOne
Ok - last question before I really do say enough is enough - how much bolt did you leave protruding on the seat mounts?
I used fairly long bolts to allow easier alignment when I dropped the seats in, and with a big load spreading washer and nylock on them there still about an inch of thread showing. Should I leave them be, or should I dremel them off a couple of turns above the top of the nylock?
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I don't think it matters. Foe tidyness I try to use the right length bolts. They are also easier to undo in 5 years time when the thread has rusted!
Quote:
And really the last question - the mesh I have in my centre console - radius issue or not? I know Robin had his doubts. I don't think just covering up the vents would be a good idea, as don't I have to prove that it works if it's fitted? An unvented heater could be deemed to be 'not working'...
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I would leave it for now and see what they say.
Good luck for tomorrow - weather lookin' good at the moment. Make sure you take your sarnies. The LB centre is in the middle of nowhere and the only facility thay had when I was there was an awfull coffee machine.
Robin
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4th March 2010, 08:38
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Right. Sandwiches and lashings of Ginger Beer it is!
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4th March 2010, 08:50
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Don't forget your tow rope, jack, spare water, petrol can, zipties, a thermos full of coffee and your hat and gloves...
Good luck tomorrow
Chris
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4th March 2010, 09:50
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My seat bolts had about 25mm showing and a big penny washer, no comment by my tester.
Are you going to have a spare wheel fitted? I heard of one that failed the radius test because the tread pattern was too sharp! I took mine off at the centre and added to the huge pile of tools I took with me.
Anyway good luck, and wrap up warm.
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4th March 2010, 10:09
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No, no spare fitted yet, so they shouldn't get me on that.
My support vehical looks as if it may have most of my garage in there at the moment - Big box of spare bolts, nylocks, washers, sundry bits of titan fast and rubber edging, cable ties, nut covers...
And I'm taking the whole top box off my tool cart, along with my socket set and a whole load of electrical tools. Wondering if I need to take my cordless drill....
Good job it's my Mates' Discovery!
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4th March 2010, 11:22
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I took a (Marlin) boot full of stuff as well. I didn't have the luxury of a support vehicle!
I didn't use any of it in the end as the first thing they failed me on (contactable edge on ECU) wasn't possible to do a quick fix for. After that it was better to wait until I got home and make the changes at my leisure.
Anyway - with all the effort you have put in and all the experience of guys that have done it before you I reckon you stand a better chance than most of a pass first time!
I did use the tools however as one of the wings got very loose on the way back - but you shouldn't have that problem as you have the "re-designed" wing mount :-)
The test process is very interesting if you can remain detached. The scariest bit is when they stick it on the rolling road and run it up to 2/3 max revs for 5 minutes. That's when you find out if the cooling works OK!
It's also a bit scary when the tester goes tearing off to the little test track to do the final "drive it" test. This only happens right at the end when they are fairly happy themselves that nothing is going to fall off....
Robin
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4th March 2010, 12:01
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Thanks - My nerves are starting to get the better of me now though...
As for the rolling road bit - do they do the brake testing on that? Only when I took it for the MOT, the inspector there asked me what sort of diff I had, and when I said it was an LSD, he said 'good job I didn't put it on the rollers then' and checked the brakes with a weighted gadget he put on the passenger side floor during a quick drive up and down the test centre service road.
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4th March 2010, 12:09
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mine's got an lsd and it went on the rollers.
When mine was tested, the 1st set of rollers is to check the speedo so they wind it up to 70odd (without strapping it down!), they did all the ramp inspections then tested the brakes on the next set of rollers
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4th March 2010, 13:49
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Good luck GOO!
Having followed and enjoyed your excellent build diary, I thought I had better sign up and send a message. I have had an E30 Sportster kit progressing slowly in the garage for longer than I care to admit to! Hopefully, admitting my existence on this site will inspire me to get on and finish.
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4th March 2010, 13:52
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Thanks - and welcome on board! Peter will be along in a moment to take your details and add you to the list of sportster builders...
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4th March 2010, 18:35
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Good luck GOO. Your build and preparation have been so thorough that I can't see you failing. Yes, I'm still around. I have had all manner of personal issues stopping me from finishing my car but the enthusiasm is still there, so hopefully one day,one day! Just very jealous of all you guys getting mobile.
Alfie
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4th March 2010, 20:46
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Jason
Good luck tomorrow - hope you get a good nights sleep tonight!!!
Mike
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4th March 2010, 20:50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sorton
Good luck GOO!
Having followed and enjoyed your excellent build diary, I thought I had better sign up and send a message. I have had an E30 Sportster kit progressing slowly in the garage for longer than I care to admit to! Hopefully, admitting my existence on this site will inspire me to get on and finish.
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Hi Sorton,
welcome the band of merry Marlin builders on Madaboutkitcars!
We've all taken longer than we like to admit so don't feel bad about that.
I haven't updated the list for ages so i'll dig it out and give it a refresh.
Tell us more about your build, what stage are you at, what was the donor car, and any other info you want to share?
...peter
Oh, and GOOD LUCK GOO!!!!!!!
Last edited by peterux; 4th March 2010 at 20:52..
Reason: add
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4th March 2010, 23:00
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iva
GOOOOOOOD luck Goo!
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5th March 2010, 07:38
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Iva
Good luck Jason....
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